Iyer liked New England -2.5, highlighting Drake Maye’s fit in Josh McDaniels’ system and Mike Vrabel’s knack for squeezing extra juice out of a defense. He expects the Patriots to bottle up rookie back Ashton Jeanty and spoil Pete Carroll’s Raiders debut 24-20.

Iyer advised laying 1.5 with Indianapolis, arguing Daniel Jones brings enough stability to unlock Jonathan Taylor, Tyler Warren and company while the Dolphins enter with negative ‘vibes’ around coach Mike McDaniel. His 23-20 projection has the Colts winning and covering.

Iyer reminded readers that Zac Taylor and Joe Burrow historically open seasons sluggishly, recommending the Browns +5.5 in the rivalry. He expects Myles Garrett and the Cleveland defense to keep things ugly, projecting a 24-20 Bengals win that still rewards anyone holding Browns tickets.

Iyer backed Tampa Bay -2.5, noting a ‘streamlined, savvier’ scheme that lets Baker Mayfield push the ball deep off a Bucky Irving power run game. He respects Michael Penix Jr. and Bijan Robinson but trusts the Buccaneers’ defense to earn one extra stop, predicting a 27-24 Tampa victory and cover.

For his Upset of the Week, Iyer recommended grabbing Detroit outright at +2.5. He expects the Lions to hammer the ball directly at Micah Parsons in his defensive debut for Green Bay, trusts Detroit’s quarterback situation more, and believes Aidan Hutchinson will outshine Parsons on defense. Projected score: Lions 27-23.

Labeling it his Lock of the Week, Iyer urged bettors to lay the 2.5 with Los Angeles. He cited Houston’s offensive-line injuries and unsettled backfield, predicting the Rams’ dynamic young front seven will camp in C.J. Stroud’s pocket. With Matthew Stafford kept clean and Davante Adams flanking Puka Nacua, Iyer forecast a 24-17 Rams win that easily covers.

Calling the matchup a true pick’em, Iyer sided with Buffalo because Josh Allen and James Cook form a more reliable rushing tandem than Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry on the road. He believes Baltimore can limit Allen through the air but not on the ground, forecasting a 27-24 Bills victory and a clean ATS result for Buffalo backers.

Iyer advised taking Kansas City -3 in the Friday game from Sao Paulo. He trusts the Chiefs’ defense to handle a Charger offense that now leans on the run, and he expects Patrick Mahomes to manufacture a few more late-game plays than Justin Herbert. His projected score of 23-16 cashes a Chiefs ticket and the under.